Fix Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 Opening as a Free Trial on Mac
Question details
The user installed Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 on a MacBook Air, but the software opens prompting a seven-day free trial instead of recognizing the purchased license.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Launching the application after downloading and installing it on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays a seven-day free trial offer rather than launching as the activated Professional 2020 version.
Ensure you have your purchase confirmation email or serial number from your authorized retailer (such as Staples) and your Adobe account login credentials ready.
Verify and Reinstall the Correct Acrobat 2020 Version
Check if Acrobat DC or Reader was mistakenly installed instead of Acrobat 2020, then remove the wrong version and install the correct standalone software.
A common cause for the unexpected seven-day trial prompt is downloading the subscription-based Adobe Acrobat DC installer by mistake, rather than the standalone Adobe Acrobat Pro 2020 installer. Your standalone license will not activate the DC version.
Open the installed Adobe Acrobat application on your MacBook Air. Click on 'Acrobat' in the top macOS menu bar and select 'About Adobe Acrobat'. Check if the version name says 'DC', 'Reader', or '2020'.
If the application is Acrobat DC or Acrobat Reader, close the program. Open your 'Applications' folder, locate the Adobe Acrobat folder, and double-click the 'Acrobat Uninstaller' to completely remove the software.
Log in to your Adobe account and navigate to your Order History, or use the specific download link provided in your purchase confirmation email from your authorized retailer.
Run the correct Acrobat Pro 2020 installer. Follow the on-screen prompts, sign in with the Adobe account associated with your purchase, and enter your 24-digit serial number when requested.
Use WPS PDF to Edit Documents Without Trial Interruptions
If you need to edit PDFs immediately while resolving your Acrobat activation issues, WPS Office offers a built-in, lightweight PDF editor that allows you to view, annotate, and manage PDF files seamlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for Mac.
- 2. Launch the PDF Editor: Open WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab from the main dashboard.
- 3. Open your document: Click 'Open PDF' and select the file you want to edit from your local storage.
- 4. Edit and save: Use the top toolbar to highlight text, add annotations, insert shapes, and easily save your modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my purchased Adobe Acrobat show as a 7-day trial?
This typically occurs if you downloaded the subscription-based Adobe Acrobat DC instead of the standalone Acrobat 2020 version, or if you are signed in with an Adobe ID that is not linked to your serial number.
Where can I find the correct download link for Acrobat Pro 2020?
If purchased directly from Adobe, the installer is in your Adobe account under 'Order History'. If purchased from a retailer like Staples, check your digital delivery email for the specific download link and serial number.
Can I have both Acrobat Reader and Acrobat Pro installed on my Mac?
While it is possible, having both installed can cause default application conflicts and licensing confusion. It is recommended to uninstall Acrobat Reader if you have fully licensed Acrobat Pro installed.
How do I check which version of Acrobat is installed on my macOS?
Open the Acrobat application, click on 'Acrobat' in the top menu bar next to the Apple logo, and select 'About Adobe Acrobat'. A window will pop up displaying the exact version name and release number.
